The study evaluated 40 years of traffic statistics from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), involving 608 deaths on 42 Halloweens.

The author of the study, Dr. John Staples of the University of British Columbia, decided to study the issue after he noted flyers on lampposts for Halloween parties throughout his neighborhood. He was concerned that intoxicated drivers could pose a threat to children walking the streets who were trick or treating.

Staples decided to use U.S data from NHTSA to study the issue. Data indicated that on average, four more pedestrians die on Halloween compared with a week before or week after based on evaluating 40 years of traffic data. This was a similar finding to a CDC analysis of data from 1975-1996 evaluating a similar phenomenon.

Other options include carrying glow sticks or flashlights to increase visibility to motorists. Masks that obstruct vision should be avoided, and long costumes that may “drag” could increase risk of falls, fractures, and head injuries.

I am an emergency physician on staff at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, where I have practiced for the past 15 years. I also serve as an adviser and editor to Medscape Emergency Medicine, an educational portal for physicians, and an affiliate of WebMD. My other time ...